“Presenters live from hand to mouth” – Media Personality, Harri Obi opens up about how little his Colleagues earn

Media personality, Harri Obi, has said none of his peers earns six figures in broadcasting.

Taking to his Twitter page, Harri Obi wrote about how the pay is low in the broadcasting industry.

He also advised young presenters to try and get a radio gig, as that area pays more than other areas.

See what he wrote below;

People shocked that Rave TV pay their Presenters N30k, lol. That was even fair.

STV that asked me to go bring N80k so they’ll make me one of their Hosts. When I asked what the catch was, they said: “You’ll be covering events”. It wasn’t going to be a paying gig. I suffer sha. 

Tip: If you want to go into Presenting, hustle & get a radio gig. Though that area is saturated, they treat their OAPs better, especially in top stations. Apart from Soundcity, AfMag, MTV & Channels, other TV Presenters live from hand to mouth. It’s not as glossy as you think.

I got fed up, left Presenting to focus on production & event hosting. In my first production gig I was paid N350k by JanSport. I went home to cry for hours. In my over 2 years of being a professional TV host, I never made half of that in total. See, that industry tore me down. 

And I actually stayed longer than I should have cuz of passion. Well, Nigeria doesn’t work that way says a mentor. It’s not a ‘me’ issue, it’s a failed system issue. It’ll take you triple the time to blow here than it’ll take an average American. Hustle for your daily bread first

I switched my 9-5 to Digital comms last year after taking an online course & got a 6 figure salary in under 2 weeks. I was in broadcasting for years & couldn’t even get a good job despite my impressive resume & Awards & not one of my peers earn 6 figures in broadcasting, quote me

All in all, it wasn’t a waste. One of my most lethal asset in my CV is my experience in video content production, it gives me an edge during job interviews, also as a former TV host, I’ve aced every interview I’ve come across cuz I can talk my way in & out of any situation. End!

See his tweet below:

People shocked that Rave TV pay their Presenters N30k, lol. That was even fair.

STV that asked me to go bring N80k so they'll make me one of their Hosts. When I asked what the catch was, they said: "You'll be covering events". It wasn't going to be a paying gig. I suffer sha. 😂

— Harri Obi (@Harri_obi) March 20, 2019

I got fed up, left Presenting to focus on production & event hosting. In my first production gig I was paid N350k by JanSport. I went home to cry for hours. In my over 2 years of being a professional TV host, I never made half of that in total. See, that industry tore me down. 😂

— Harri Obi (@Harri_obi) March 20, 2019

I switched my 9-5 to Digital comms last year after taking an online course & got a 6 figure salary in under 2 weeks. I was in broadcasting for years & couldn't even get a good job despite my impressive resume & Awards & not one of my peers earn 6 figures in broadcasting, quote me

— Harri Obi (@Harri_obi) March 20, 2019

My argument is remuneration, primarily. I have hosted shows for Africa Magic, became the official host of the 2017 Future Awards, got 2 NBMA nominations, etc. For me, it was never about not having talent. The system is just messed up when it comes to pay & that was why I left.

— Harri Obi (@Harri_obi) March 20, 2019